by Davyd Reid
Buln Buln have firmly put themselves into contention, comfortably accounting for Trafalgar to climb into the top three.
With the Bloods playing their best football by virtue of holding possession, the Lyrebirds were able to pick the home side apart from their ability to link up well.
After being pressed early, Buln Buln kicked away to win 11-8 (74) to 6-4 (40).
Mitch Nobelius opened the scoring with a snap, only for Blake Slater to respond from a set shot to put the Bloods back in front.
There was every sign of an arm-wrestle between two finals bound teams before the Lyrebirds found their run late in the quarter.
They kicked true from a 50-metre penalty before repeat efforts from Baker and linking handballs set up Angus Mitchell for the first of his three goals.
Buln Buln began to find players loose, Jackson Kos flushing a long goal off just two steps for the perfect start to the second term.
The Lyrebirds defence stood up well as they staved off repeat entries from a Bloods outfit looking to lift, a big mark to Danny Brewster providing a brief highlight.
It was Jake Roe-Duggan's turn to capitalise from a 50-metre penalty, kicking truly from 20 metres after taking a strong mark and having his opponent encroach the mark.
While Trafalgar appeared to move the ball with trepidation, the Lyrebirds began to find clean entries as Mitchell put through his second.
Sam Batson scored a long goal on the run before Bailey Leatham stepped up with a mark and goal, the Lyrebirds increasing the lead to 32-points at the long break.
The Bloods responded early in the third term to firmly put themselves back in the contest.
Brad Hoffman started in the midfield and won the centre clearance to find Issac Caroleo.
The Bloods began to contest well and hit their kicks as Slater closed the margin to 19-points.
Michael Ablett, Ryan Dyke, Jamie Hines, Dylan Gauci and Kyle Beveridge also helped Trafalgar lift their intensity.
Momentum fell back in Buln Buln's favour, converting three times from free kicks to take a 33-point advantage into the final change.
Jake Pierrehumbert, Batson, Brandon Allen, Will Battley, Mitchell and Leatham helped the Lyrebirds take back control of the contest.
While Matt Devon's speed proved slightly problematic, Buln Buln's defence continued to rebound well as Nathan Tutton continued to hit targets.
A downfield free kick after Pierrehumbert was dumped after his kick was followed by a long goal to Tutton, increasing the margin to 46-points.
The Bloods, who will turn their attention to a friendlier run home, picked up two consolation goals.
Caroleo finished with a highlight, converting from a difficult angle.